BMCA Clay Studio

Pat Levi provided a thorough demonstration about clay for an open house

Pottery Classes Offered at BMCA Clay Studio Beginning January 9

By Rita Vermillion

Beginning on Thursday, January 5 from 4-6 pm with a demonstration of making pottery by teachers Charles Freeland and Annie Singletary, the Black Mountain Center for the Arts Clay Studio will kick off 2012 with classes and other activities centered on clay.   Classes begin on Monday, January 9, continuing for six weeks through February 16.  Each Adult Clay Class covers clay basics for beginners on wheel and hand building, but is also appropriate for students with previous clay experience.  The Clay Studio sits adjacent to the Center at 225 W. State Street.  To register or for more information call 828/669-0930, beginning January 3.

The BMCA Clay Studio is a teaching studio offering Adult Clay Classes that are taught by four experienced, area potters.  Upcoming classes will be offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Mondays from 4-6 pm Will Byers of Byers Pottery in Black Mountain is the teacher. On Tuesdays from 10 am – noon Annie Singletary of Annie Singletary Ceramics in Black Mountain teaches, and from 4-6 pm Charles Freeland of Charles Freeland Pottery in Montreat is the teacher. On Thursdays from 4-6 pm Geoff Bird of Morning Sky Pottery in Swannanoa teaches an ongoing class that has a rolling enrollment in which a student can start any week. 

Each class consists of six instructional sessions of two hours, and includes several times for practice in Open Studio each week.  Tuition is $170, which covers instruction and a lab fee for clay, glazes and firing.  In addition, an option for experienced potters who want to work on their own is available as an Independent Study during Open Studio times.  This option requires approval from Studio Manager Freeland, and costs $100 for six weeks (cost of clay is extra.)  A clay class makes a great gift for someone who wants to return to their love for clay or who wants to try it out for the first time. 

The Clay Studio Student/Teacher Annual Exhibit is currently on display at the Center’s Upper Gallery and features a wide variety of works from drums to dinnerware.  The Center will re-open January 3; hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 10-5 and Thursday, 11-3.